Combined washing machine and spin tub with one-way fluid drive



Aug. 11, 1953 TUB WITH ONE-WAY FLUID DRIVE Filed Dec. 10, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 2 I42 mg no In as 94 I06 I I as 2o 45 so I 53 52 4 44 43 I34 ge I2 [I36 L37 3s 22 35 as ,ss 42 use H i '9 as 40 I3 5| 4 50 1 8| 77 :TL/LT 9 49, 0 80 8 so IMF O o l i I] K I 20m: 27 E IS A 5 6 3 a as 5." 2 'Inyenfor John 6. Sharp Aug. 11, 1953 J. c. SHARP 2,648,212

COMBINED WASHING MACHINE AND SPIN TUB WITH ONE-WAY FLUID DRIVE Filed Dec. 10 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor John C. Sharp Aug. 11, 1953 Filed Dec. 10, 1949 J. C. SHARP COMBINED WASHING MACHINE AND SPIN TUB WITH ONE-WAY FLUID DRIVE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 40 $3 $5 a I g a ku' a ,2 N N N 10 0e 4 9 40a '2 1' l2 2o| E? 402' 40s All. "v. 4o 407 "P1 w fifi I I I28 52 L m M I29 SI n v 414 415 Lmm. TIMER CONTROL coum |o= l mu, Inventor 0 l By John 0. Sharp POWER SOURCE f 95 Q Aug. 11, 1953 J. c. SHARP 2,648,212 COMBINED WASHING MACHINE AND SPIN TUB WITH ONE-WAY FLUID DRIVE. Filed Dec. 10, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 F'lG. rr 208 F TG, 6 v m FIG. 7 532 lnvenior By John Sharp A Hys.

the casing.

Patented Aug. 11, 1953 COMBINED WASHING MACHINE AND SPIN TUB WITH ONE-WAY FLUID DRIVE John 'C. Sharp, Glen Ellyn, 111., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application December 10, 1949, Serial No. 132,287

4 Claims. (01. 68'23) The present invention relates to clothes washing machines, and more particularly to such machines of the spin tub type incorporating fluid drive mechanism for rotating the tub.

A clothes washing machine of the type noted usually comprises anupstanding casing, an upstanding tub arranged in the casing and mounted for rotation, and an upstanding agitator arranged in the tub and mounted for oscillation. A Water supply system communicates with the tub, and a drain conduit communicates with the casing; water is supplied from the system into the tub for filling and rinsing purposes, and excess water that is supplied to the tub is overiiowed therefrom and caught in the casing. In order to effect extraction of the wash water and the rinse water from the tub and the clothes contained therein, the tub is spun or rotated, whereby the water is centrifuged from the tub and the clothes contained therein and caught in The water that is caught in the casing is discharged via the drain conduit to the exterior.

Ordinarily the clothes washing machine further comprises two electric motors that are employed respectively to oscillate the agitator and to rotate the tub. More particularly, motion translating mechanism is driven by a first of the motors and the agitator is driven by the ing washing and rinsing operations as required in the operation of the machine. Also,

a drain pump is driven by the first motor and arranged to discharge the water through the drain conduit to the exterior under pressure. Finally, a fluid drive unit is arranged between the second of the motors and the tub in order to accommodate slippage therein between the normal unbalance of the tub during a water extracting operation should the clothes in' the tub become bunched, or otherwise unevenly distributed therein.

While the clothes washing machine of the type described is entirely satisfactory in operation, it

tallied.

is somewhat more expensive to manufacture than is desirable, due primarily to the provision therein of the two electric motors.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a clothes washing machine of the type described that incorporates improved power transmission mechanism that is selectively operative by a single electric motor to perform the various washing and rinsing and water extracting operations as required in the cycle of operation of the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a clothes washing machine of the type described, an improved power transmission mechanism that is driven by a single electric motor of the reversible type and which is so organized that rotation of the rotor of the motor in opposite directions is employed to control selective rotation of the tub and to control selective oscillation of the agitator. 1

A'further object of the invention is to provide in a clothes washing'machine of the type described, an improved and simplified electric control arrangement for the electric motor that is of the split-phase,reversible rotor type, wherein the electric control arrangement is so organized that starting of the rotor of the motor in the proper direction and reversal of the direction of rotation of the rotor of the motor as required are positively insured.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements of the clothes washing machine and of the electric control system therefor, whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features thereof are at- The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages'thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view, partly broken away, of a clothes washing machine embodying the present invention, this view being taken through the vertical center line of the machine along a-plane substantially parallel to the front and rear walls of the casing thereof; Fig. 2 is another vertical sectional view, partly broken away, of the clothes washing machine, taken in the direction of the arrows along the offset line 22 in Fig.

1; Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view of the lower portion of the clothes washing machine, taken in the direction of the arrows along the ofiset line 3-4 in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of the electric control arrangement for the clothes washing machine, as well as a schematic chart of the timed cycle of operation thereof; Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a fluid drive unit that may be incorporated in the clothes washing machine illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive; Fig. 6 is a further enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the fluid drive unit shown in Fig. 5, this view being taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 6--6 therein; Fig. 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a modified form of the fluid drive unit that may be incorporated in the clothes washing machine illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive; and Fig. 8 is a further enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the fluid drive unit shown in Fig. '7, this view being taken in the direction of the arrows along the line 86 therein.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, of the drawings, there is generally illustrated a clothes washing machine ID of the oscillating agitator and rotating tub type embodying the present invention. Specifically, the machine I is of the general construction and arrangement of that disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 2,513,845, granted on July 4, 1950, to George P. Castner and Arthur D. Lund, and comprises an upstanding casing I including upper and lower sections l2 and I3, the casing sections l2 and i3 being suitably detachably secured together, a surrounding gasket |4 formed of rubber, or the like, being disposed at the junction therebetween. The casing sections l2 and I3 are generally square in horizontal cross section with rounded corners connecting the various walls thereof. The upper casing section I2 is supported directly upon the lower casing section l3; and the lower casing section I3 is supported upon four vertically adjustable feet l5 respectively arranged at the four rounded corners thereof and respectively engaging four mounting pads |6 formed of linoleum, or the like, and suitably secured to a floor or other external support. The upper casing section l2 includes front and rear walls I1 and I9, side .1."

walls I9 and 20, and top and bottom walls 2| and 22; while the lower casing section |3 includes front and rear walls 23 and 24, side walls 25 and 26, and a bottom wall 21. Thus the bottom wall 22 of the upper casing section l2 constitutes a dividing wall between the upper and lower casing sections I2 and I3; whereby the upper casing section |2 defines a tub and water receiving compartment 28, and the lower casing section I3 defines a machinery compartment 29.

Within the machinery compartment 29 there is disposed a frame 30 upon which the principal component elements of the apparatus are mounted, the frame 30 being provided with a substantially centrally disposed and downwardly directed foot 3| arranged in an associated bearing 32, that is, in turn, supported by a resilient bushing 33 formed of rubber, or the like, and disposed in a depression 34 formed in the bottom wall 21 of the lower casing section l3.

The frame 30 is thus resiliently supported for limited longitudinal movement in the vertical direction and is also capable of limited gyratory or wobbling movement about the longitudinal 'axis of the machine It. In order to center the tension springs 35 are arranged below the bottom wall 22 of the upper casing section I2 and extend between four posts 36 carried by the frame 30 and four adjustable eye bolts 31 carried by four brackets 38 that are secured to the walls of the lower casing section |3 adjacent to the four rounded corners between the front and rear walls 23 and 24 and the side walls 25 and 26. Also, in order to limit the gyratory movement of the frame 30 about the foot 3| and about the longitudinal axis of the machine I,

four radially extending and angularly spacedapart snubbers 39 are provided between the frame 30 and four brackets 40 respectively secured to the front and rear walls 23 and 24 and the side walls 25 and 26 of the lower casing section l3.

The frame 30 carries an upstanding longitudinally extending barrel 4| projecting from the machinery compartment 29 through an opening 42 provided in the central portion of the bottom wall 22 into the tub compartment 25,

.the opening 42 being surrounded by an upstanding tubular sleeve 43 arranged in spaced relation to the barrel 4| and joined to the bottom wall 22. Within the barrel 4| there is mounted a rotatable sleeve 44, the upper and lower ends of the sleeve 44 being suitably journalled upon upper and lower anti-friction bearings 45 and 46 arranged within the respective upper and lower ends of the barrel 4|. The upper end of the sleeve 44 terminates in an annular flange 41 to which there is secured by a number of bolts 46 an upstanding tub 49,-the tub 49 being arranged entirely within the tub compartment 26. The lower end of the sleeve 44 has rigidly secured thereto a pulley 5| arranged within the machinery compartment 29. Thus, it will be understood that when the pulley 5| is rotated that the sleeve 44 is rotated effecting rotation of the tub 49. The tub 49 comprises a substantially centrally disposed downwardly extending conical bottom element 52 terminating in an annular sediment trap structure 53. Also, the tub 49 includes an outwardly directed bottom wall 54 surrounding the annular trap structure 53 and merging into an upwardly tapered side wall 55, a heavy balance ring 56 being secured to the upper edge of the side wall 55. The balance ring 56 is provided with an inwardly directing flange 51 having a substantially centrally disposed opening 58 formed therein for the purpose of rendering the interior of the tub 49 accessible from the exterior, the flange 5T preventing clothes from being flung from the tub 49 incident to rotation thereof. The lower portion of the balance ring 56 is provided with a number of serrations in order to deflne a number of openings 59 between the lower portion thereof and the upper edge of the side wall of the tub 49 in order to accommodate the passage of water therethrough as a result of the centrifugal forces when the tub 49 is rotated. Further, two outwardly and then upwardly extending tubes 60 are carried upon the exterior of the tub 49 at substantially diametrically disposed positions, the lower ends of the tubes 60 communicating with the sediment trap structure 53 and the upper ends of the tubes 60 discharging into cooperating grooves 6| formed in the balance ring 56 and communicating with the tub compartment 26. Further, it is pointed out that the sediment trap structure 53 comprises an inwardly directed throat or flange member 62 joining the bottom wall 54 of the tub 49 and overhanging the lower ends of the tubes 60. It will be understood that any sediment accumulating in the sediment trap 53 will be discharged through the tubes 80 into the tub compartment 28 incident to rotation of the tub 49 as a consequence of the centrifugal forces produced.

A longitudinally extending upstanding shaft 63 is suitably journalled in a centrally disposed opening formed in the sleeve 44, the upper end of the shaft 63 projecting through a tubular extension 64 carried by the conical bottom element 52 of the tub 49. The upper end of the shaft 63 is joumalled in and supported upon a bearing element 65 arranged in the upper end of the tubular extension 64; and the lower end of the shaft 63 is located with respect to the lower end of the sleeve 44 by a bearing 50 that is positioned by a collar 5011 which is detachably secured to the lower end of the shaft 63. The extreme upper end of the shaft 83 has detachably secured thereto by a fixture 86 an upstanding bladed agitator 6'1 arranged in the tub 49 and surrounding the tubular extension 64. The agitator 61 includes a substantially conical shaped body 68 terminating in an annular flange 69 disposed over the inwardly directed throat member 62. The lower end of the body 68 of the agitator 61 carries three upstanding angularly spaced-apart main clothes agitating blades I; and the upper end of the body 68 of the actuator 61 carries three intervening angularly spaced-apart auxiliary suds agitating vanes 11. The junction between the main vanes 10 and the auxiliary vanes 11 on the agitator 61 being arranged adjacent to the normal water level in the tub 49 indicated by the dash line 12.

Also the frame 30 carries an oscillating mechanism 13 that is preferably of the character of that disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 1,964,440, granted on June 26, 1934, to Allen J. Patch. The oscillating mechanism '13 includes a casing I4 in which there is journalled an upstanding shaft 15 that projects therethrough. The shaft I carries a crank am It that is oscillated by associated parts, not shown. The shaft 15 is arranged along the longitudinal axis of the machine coincident with the longitudinal axis of the shaft 63; and clutch mechanism '11 is in: terposed between the upper end of the shaft I5 and. the lower end of the shaft 83. Specifically, the clutch mechanism '1! comprises cooperating clutch elements I8 and 19 respectively carried by the upper end of the shaft '15 and by the lower end of the shaft 63. The clutch. element 18 is splined upon the upper end of the shaft '15 for longitudinal sliding movement thereon to ward and away from the cooperating clutch element I9 rigidly secured to the lower end of the shaft 63 in order to effect engagementand disengagement of the clutch elements I8 and 19. The mechanism 11 further comprises a bell crank 80 carried by the frame 30, one end of the bell crank 80 cooperating with the clutch element I8, and the other end of the bell crank 80 cooperating with the armature of a solenoid 81, also carried by the frame 30 It will be understood'that when the solenoid 8| isenergized the bell crank 80 is operated to clutch the elements I8 and I9; and when the solenoid 81 is de-energized the bell crank 80 is returned to its normal position in order to declutch the elements I8 and 19. When the clutch mechanism '11 occupies its clutched position the oscillating mechanism 13 effects oscillation of the shaft 68 and the consequent oscillation of the agitator 61 with respect to the tub 49.

Further, the frame 30 carries within the ma- *6 chinery compartment 29 a single electric motor 201 that is of the split-phase reversible rotor type, the motor 201 including a main winding and a starting winding, as explained more fully hereinafter, as well as a rotor, not shown, that is carried upon an operating shaft 202. The operating shaft 202 carries a structure on the upper end thereof providing two pulleys 206 and by H) 201. Also, the frame 30 carries a drain pump 86 that is provided with a casing 86 and a rotor,

not shown, that is mounted upon an operating shaft 81, the operating shaft 81 carrying a pulley 88 on the upper end thereof. The pulley 206 carried by the operating shaft 202 of the motor 201 is belted by aV-belt 208 to the pulley 88 carried by the operating shaft 81 of the drain pump 85; and the pulley 20'I carried by the operating shaft 202 of the motor 201 is belted by a V-belt 209 to a pulley 91 secured to an operating shaft 14 extending into the upper portion of the casing 14 of the oscillating mechanism '13. Thus, it will be understood that when the motor '201 is operated, the drain pump 86 is operated, and also the operating shaft '14 of the oscillating mechanism 13 is rotated; however, oscillation of the shaft 63 and the agitator 61 by the oscillating shaft I5 of the operating oscillating formed of rubber, or thelike, to a downwardly directed drain connection 94 provided in the bottom wall 22 of the upper casing'section 12; and thedischarge connection 93 is suitably connected to a discharge conduit projecting through an opening 96 formed in the rear wall 24 of the lower casing section 13. The drain pump 88 is so-constructed and arranged that when the rotor, not shown, thereof is rotated in either direction, any water accumulating in the upper casing section 12 will pass through the drain connection 94 and the hose 92' into the intake connection 92 and will be pumped from the casing 96' through the discharge'connection 93 "via the drainconduit95 to the exterior of the machine 10.

Further, within the machinery compartment 29 and upon the extreme upper end of the operating shaft 202 of the motor 201 there is mounted afiuid drive or coupling unit 200 disclosed more fully hereinafter. The fluid drive unit 200 includes a casing 214 that is selectively rotated depending upon the direction of rotation of the operating shaft 202 of the motor 201, the casing 214 being rotated when the operating shaft 202 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the machine 10, and the casing 214 remaining stationary when the operating shaft 202 is rotated in the clockwise direction, as explained more fully hereinafter. The casing 214 carries a pulley 211 on-thelower portion thereof that is connected by a V-belt 218 to the pulley 51 that is carried by the sleeve 44. Thus it will be understood that when the operating shaft 202 of the motor 201 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the top of themachinelfl, the casing 214 of the fluid drive unit 200 is rotated effecting rotation of the the hose III. -hot water chamber may be selectively opened pulley .211 and-the consequent rotation of the sleeve through the 'V-belt 2I0, whereby the tub -49 is rotated with the sleeve 44 in the counterclockwise direction. As previously noted,

the fluid drive unit 200 insures gradual acceleraof the tub'49- to its full spinning speed when rotationof'the operating shaft 202 of the motor 104 is initiated in the counterclockwise direction,

and'also permits an automatic slow-down of the tub 49 in its spinning operation in the event it contains an unbalanced load of clothes, or in the event the clothes are otherwise bunched orunevenly distributed in the tub 49 during rotation thereof.

The top wall-2i of the upper casing section I2 has a substantailly centrally disposed square opening -I04 formed therein in order to render the-interior of the tub 49 accessible from the exterior of the machine I0, the opening I04 being surrounded bya downwardly directed substantially square-flanged throat I05 preventing the presentation of sharp edges. The opening I04 formed in the top wall 2I is surrounded by a counterdepression I06 of substantially square form that receives an associated hinged cover -I0'|,'the cover I01 being hinged adjacent to the rear portion of the counterdepression I06 in any suitable manner, not shown. Thus it will be understood that the cover I01 in its closed position closes theopening I04 in the top wall II, and in its open position permits ready access to the interior of the tub 49 through the opening I04 formed in the top wall 2 I. Also, the rear wall I0 and the rear portion of the top wall 2I of-the upper casing section I2 carry a substantially l --shaped hood I08 in which there is arranged an'inlet conduit I09, the front end of the inlet-conduit I09 projecting through a hole IIO formed inthe top wall 2| and overhanging the adjacent upper edge of the tub 49. The rear l ingthrough the hole 96 formed in the rear wall 24 01' the lower casing section I3. Further, the

casing I I4 is provided with an outlet connection,

not shown, that is connected to the lower end of the hose III. The connections H9 and I20 are respectively connected to suitable sources of cold water and hot water associated with the laundry room in which the machine I0 is located, while-the drain conduit 95 is associated with drain plumbing in the laundry room mentioned. The casing II4 further comprises a cold water chamber communicating with the cold water inlet connection II9, a hot water chamber communicating with the hot water inlet connection I20, and a mixing chamber communicating with the outlet connection that is-connected to the lower end of The cold water chamber and the and closed with respect to the mixing chamber by a cold water valve, not shown, and a hot water valve, not shown, respectively selectively operated by a cold water valve solenoid I28 and by a hot water valve solenoid I29. The detailed stnicture o! the inlet valve mechanism I I2 is not illustrated inthe interest of brevity, but it will bereaxiilyunderstood that the cold water valve andthe hot water valveare normally biased into their closed positions and are respectively operated into their open positions in response to energization of the cold water valve solenoid I23 and the hot-water valve solenoid I 29. When the cold water valve solenoid I alone is energized cold water is supplied via the cold water'inlet connection II9 through the inlet'valve mechanism 2 into the tub 49; when the hot water valve solenoid 129 alone is-energized hot water is supplied via the hot-water inlet connection l" through the inlet-valve mechanism- I I2 into the tub-49yandwhen both ofthe solenoids I20 and I 29 are energized both hot water and cold water are supplied via the respective connections H9 and I-20 to' the inlet valve mechanism I I 250 that the resulting mixing causes warm water to be supplied to the tub 49.

Forthe; purpose of controlling the various operations of themachine I0, 2. single manually operable'control dial I30 is carried by the top wall =2I 7 adjacent to the rounded corner'at the junction-between the rear wall I8 and the lefthand side wall 20- of the upper casing section I2, anda program selector switch I3I is arranged in the machinery compartmentfl and supported upon a bracket I32 carried by the left-hand side wall of the lowercasing section I3. The manually operable control dial I is operatively connected to the prograrn selector switch I3I by an arrangement including a longitudinally extending control'rod I33 projecting through the tub compartment .23. More particularlxa longitudinally extending tube I34 surrounds the control rod M3, the upper and lower-ends of-the tube- I34 beingsecurely anchored in upper and lower grommets I35 and I30 respectively secured in openings respectively formed inthe top wall H and in-the bottom wall '22 of the uppercasing section I2. The grommets I35 and-I38are formed of rubber, or the like, and are sealed in liquid-tight relation in the openings respectively formed in the top wall 2I and-in the bottom wall 22 and to the respective upper and lower endsof the tube I34 m -order positively to insure fluid-tight joints and to render passage of the control rod I33 through the-tub-compartment I28, out of contact with any water contained therein. The lower end of the control rod I33 projects into the machinery compartment-29 and-receives a fixture I31 that is, in turn, secured by ail-insulating sleeve I38 to an operatingshaft I39 projectingfrom a casing I40 with which the program selector-switch I3I is provided.

The manually operable control-dial I30 comprisesan upper knob portion HI and a lower skirt portion I42,.the extremeupper end of the control rod I 33 being threaded into an opening provided in thebody of the control dial I30. In passing it is noted that the manually operable control dial I30 is readily rotatable in the clockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the machine I 0, but is unscrewed from the extreme upper end ofthe control rod I33 in the event rotation thereof in the counterclockwise direction is attempted. Thus the manually operable control dial I30 must be rotated inthe clockwise direct-ion in order selectively to control manually the position of the operating shaft I39 of the program selector switch I3I through the control rod I33. Finally, indicia is carried upon the skirt I42 of the control dial I30, that is correlated with respect to the control positions of the program selector switch I3 I, and cooperates with an index pointer 142 secured to the top wall 21. Also, the program selector switch 131 comprises a timer motor and reduction gearing, not shown, whereby the operating shaft 139 thereof may be rotated further in the clockwise direction upon a time controlled basis.

The construction and arrangement of the inlet valve mechanism H2 and the program selector switch 131 are not disclosed in detail in the interest of brevity, as these devices are disclosed in the copending application of Walter P. Mc- Carty, Serial No. 122,321, filed October 19,- 1949.

Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, the'fluid drive unit 200 there illustrated is operatively associated with the electric drive motor 201 of the reversible rotor type provided with the operatin or drive shaft 202. The motor 201 is mounted upon the frame 30 by an arrangement including a plurality of bolts 204 so that the drive shaft 202 occupies a substantially vertical position. The drive shaft 202 extends well above the upper end of the motor 201 and the frame 30 and has rigidly secured thereto a fixture 205 that is arranged to provide the two V-belt pulleys 206 and 201 respectively carrying the two V-belts 208 and 209. The fixture 205 is rigidly secured to the drive shaft 202 by an arrangement including a set screw 210 arranged in a threaded opening provided in a sleeve 2 l I carried on the lower end thereof. The upper end of the fixture 205 carries a sleeve'212 that terminates in an outwardly extending annular flange 213.

The fluid drive unit 200 is mounted upon the extreme upper end of the drive shaft 202 and upon the flange 213 and comprises the hollow casing 214 including lower and upper sections 215 and 21B hermetically sealed together. The lower portion of the casing 215 provides the V-belt pulley 21! that receives the associated V-belt 218. The hollow upper casing section 216 provides a substantially annular chamber 219 therein; and a substantially annular head 220 is arranged within the chamber 219 and rigidly secured to the extreme upper end of the drive shaft 202 by an arrangement including a threaded connection 221. The lower casing section 215 has a substantially centrally disposed opening therein through which the upper end of the drive shaft 202 projects, which opening terminates in an upstanding annular sleeve 222, the head 220 being provided with a downwardly projecting annular sleeve 223 formed integral therewith and projecting into the sleeve 222. The sleeves 222 and 223 are arranged in spaced-apart relation and are separated by an interposed bearing sleeve 224, the bearing sleeve 224 being frictionally secured to the interior surface of the opening provided in the sleeve 222. A recess 225 is formed in the lower portion of the lower casing section 215 within the pulley 211 and receives'an anti-friction bearing element provided with upper and lower races 226 and 221, The lower race 221 is directly supported upon the adjacent upper surface of the flange 213 provided on the fixture 205, and the upper race 226 engages the lower end :of the lower casing section 215, as well as the lower end of the bearing sleeve 224, the races 226 and 22'! being supported in spaced-apart relation by a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart balls 228. A centrally disposed recess is provided in the upper portion of the head 220,,and a disk 229 is frictionally secured therein. Further, a centrally disposed threaded opening is provided in the upper portion of the upper casing section 215 and receives a threaded member 230 positioned above the disk 229, athrust ball 231 being arranged between the lower end of the threaded member 230 and the disk 229. The lower bearing arrangement, including the balls 228, and the upper bearing arrangement, including the ball '231, positively locate the casing 214 with respect to the head 220 and permit free rotation of the drive shaft 202 and the head 220 in the chamber 219 independently of the casing 214.

Further, a substantially centrally disposed annular reservoir 232 is formed in the lower casing section 215 below the head 220 and surrounding the sleeve 222, which reservoir 232 contains a quantity or body of fluid 233, such, for example, as a quantity of oil or other hydraulic medium. The upper level of the body of fluid 233 is disposed slightly below the junction between the lower and upper casing sections 215 and 216 so that the head 220 is disposed above and normally entirely out of contact with the body of fluid 233 arranged in the reservoir 232. The lower casing section 215 carries a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart main driven blades 234 disposed exteriorly of the reservoir 232 and communicating therewith; and likewise the head 220 carries a plurality of circumferentially spacedapart main drive blades 235 disposed above and exteriorly of the reservoir 232 and cooperating with the main driven blades 234. Thus the drive blades 235 carried by the head 220 are disposed above and out of contact with the driven blades 234 carried by the lower casing section 21 5, a. narrow annular space 236 being provided between the sets of main blades 234 and 235. The arrangement described above permits free rotation of the head 220 and the drive blades 235 carried thereby with respect to the lower casing section 215 and the driven blades 234 carried thereby.

Finally, the fluid drive unit 200 comprises a direction-responsive starting arrangement including two substantially diametrically positioned start mechanisms 240 carried by the head 220 above and adjacent to the body of fluid 233 disposed in the reservoir 232. Preferably, the mechanisms 240 are identical, each comprising a fixture 241 provided with a body secured directly to the adjacent surface of the head 220 by a pair of screws 242, and a pair of spaced-apart depending arms 243 carrying a pivotally mounted start blade 244. The mechanism 240 is disposed in an offset position with respect to the center line of the drive shaft 232 and the center of the head 220; and the start blade 244 carries a depending counterbalance or weight 245 on the rear end thereof, the front end of the start blade 244 normally being disposed somewhat above the level in cooperating bearing openings 241 provided in the arms 243 of the fixture 241. Thus when the drive shaft 292 is at rest, the start blade 244 occupies a substantially horizontal position, the counterbalance 245 pivoting the start blade 244 to the position noted about thetrunnions 246 in order to insure that the front end of the start blade 244 is out of contact with the body of fluid 233 provided in the'reservoir 232.

Considering now the operation of the fluid drive unit 200 when rotation of the drive shaft 202 is initiated in the counterclockwise direction, asviewed from the top of the unit 200, the head 220 moves toward the right in Fig. 6, and the impulse that is transmitted from the head '220 11 through the fixture 24| and the trunnions 2 6 to the start blade 244 causes the start blade 2 to be pivoted in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 6. This pivotal movement of the start blade 244 is brought about primarily by the inertia of the weight 245, the center of gravity of the weight 245 being disposed below the trunnions 246. When the start blade 244 is thus pivoted in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 6, the front end thereof dips into the body of fluid 233 provided in the reservoir 232, whereby the start blade 244 is pivoted further in the clockwise direction into a substantially vertical position about the trunnions 246, as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 6. The start blade 244 is restrained, when it is at .rest, in its substantially horizontal normal position by a stop 248 extending between the arms 243 of the fixture 24|; and the start blade 244 is restrained, when it is moved in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the unit 200, into its substantially vertical operated p sition by a stop 249 depending from the body of the fixture 24l. When the start blade 244 thus occupies its substantially vertical operated position and is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the unit 200, the front end thereof catches the fluid contained in the reservoir 232 and splashes or deflects it outwardly away from the center line of the rotating drive shaft 202 and into the drive blades 235 and the space 236 disposed between the drive blades 235 and the driven blades 234. In order positively to insure that the fluid contained in the reservoir 232 is directed outwardly, as described above, each of the start mechanisms 240 is mounted at a slight angle with respect to a radius of the head 220 extending to the cen ter line of the drive shaft 202. When the fluid contained in the reservoir 232 is thus d ect d into the space 236 and between the blades 235 and 234, the drive blades 235 exert a torque up the driven blades 234, whereby rotation of the casing 2|4 is initiated. When rotation of the casing 2|4 is thus initiated the fluid contained in the reservoir 232 is flung outwardly by the centrifugal force into the space 236, therebyfurther insuring the drive relationship between the blades 235 and 234. Accordingly the casing 2 is gradually accelerated and ultimately rotates at a speed somewhat below that of the head in view of the fact that there is always some slippage between the blades 235 and 234. Accordingly, when rotation of the drive shaft 202 is initiated in the counterclockwise direction, .as viewed from the top of the unit 200, rotation of the casing 2|4, and consequently the pulley 2|! carried thereby, is initiated, whereby rotation .of the pulley 2|! is gradually accelerated to a speed somewhat below that of the head .220 carried by the drive shaft 202.

Subsequently when operation of the motor is arrested, rotation of the drive shaft 202 in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the unit 200, is gradually decelerated, whereby the fluid contained within the casing 2 l4 ultimately falls back by the action of gravity into the reservoir 232. When operation of the motor 202 is thus arrested, rotation of the unit 200 stops shortly thereafter by virtue of the connected loads upon the pulleys 204, 201 and 2|1, in an obvious manner; whereby the start blades 244 of the start mechanisms 240 are returned to their normal positions by the weights 245.

On the other hand, when rotation of the drive shaft 202 is initiated in the clockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the unit 200, the head 220 moves toward the left in Fig. 6, and the impulse that is transmitted through the arms 43 of the fixture HI and the trunnions 246 to the start blade 244 is such that the weight 245 tends to pivot the start blade 244 further in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 6. However, further pivotal movement of the start blade 244 in the counterclockwise direction is p vented by the stop 248 carried by the arms 243 of the fixture 24|, whereby the start blade 244 remains in its normal position. Accordingly, when rotation of the drive shaft 202 is initiated in the clockwise'direction, as viewed from the D of the unit 200, the start blades 244 of the start mechanisms 240 remain in their normal positions, whereby the body of fluid 233 contained in the reservoir 232 is not disturbed and consequently the drive blades 235 are rotated freely with respect to the driven blades 2,34 and rotation of the head 220 is not transmitted to the casing 2|4.

In view of the foregoing description of the mode of operation of the unit 200, it will be understood that it is direction-responsive and that power is transmitted from the motor 20| to the pulley 2|'| carried by the casing 2|4 only in the event the drive shaft 202 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the unit 200. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the load that is connected to the pulley 2|! carried by the casing 2|4 may be selectively rotated through the V-belt 2|8 dependent upon the direction of rotation of the drive shaft 202. On the other hand, since the fixture 205 is rigidly secured to the drive shaft 202, the pulleys 206 and 201 drive the connected loads through the respective V-belts 200 and 209 when the drive shaft 202 is rotated in either direction.

Referring now to Figs. 7 and 8, the modified form of the fluid drive unit 300 there illustrated is operatively associated with the electric drive motor 20| of the reversible rotor type provided with the operating or drive shaft 202. The motor 20| is mounted upon the frame 30 by an arrangement including a plurality of bolts 204 so that the drive shaft 202 occupies a substantially vertical position. The drive shaft 202 extends well above the upper end of the motor 20| and the frame 30 and has rigidly secured thereto the fixture 205 that is arranged to provide the two V-belt pulleys 206 and 201 respectively carrying the two V-belts 208 and 209. The fixture 205 is rigidly secured to the drive shaft 202 by the arrangement including the set screw 2|0 arranged in the threaded opening provided in the sleeve 2| carried on the lower end thereof. The upper end of the fixture 205 carries the sleeve 2|2 that terminates in the outwardly extending annular flange 2| 3.

The fluid drive unit 300 is mounted upon the extreme upper end of the drive shaft 202 and upon the flange 2|3 and comprises component elements 3| 4 to 336, inclusive, respectively corresponding to .the elements 2|4 to 236, inclusive, of the fluid drive unit 200 described above, which elements .3 4 to 336, inclusive, are note again enumerated in the interest of brevity.

Finally, the fluid drive unit 300 comprises a direction-responsive starting arrangement including two substantially diametrically positioned start mechanisms 340 of modified construction and arrangement and carried by the head 320 13 above and adjacent to the body of fluid 333 disposed in the reservoir 332.

Preferably the mechanisms 340 are identical, each comprising a fixture 341 provided with a body secured directly to th adjacent surface of the head 320 by a pair of screws 342, and a pair of spaced-apart depending arms 343 carrying a pivotally mounted start blade 344. The mechanism 340 is disposed in an offset position with respect to the center line of the drive shaft 302 and the center of the head 320, and the start blade 344 carries a small depending counterbalance or weight 345 on the rear end thereof, the front end of the start blade 344 normally being projected into the body of fluid 333 provided in the reservoir 332. Specifically, the start blade 344 is pivoted intermediate the ends thereof upon a pair of oppositely directed trunnions 346 supported in cooperating bearing openings 341 provided in the arms 343 of the fixture 341. Thus when the drive shaft 202 is at rest the start blade 344 occupies a substantial vertical normal position, the counterbalance 345 permitting the start blade 344 to pivot to the position noted about the trunnions 346 in order to insure that the front end of the start blade 344 is immersed in the body of fluid 333 provided in the reservoir 332.

Considering now the operation of the fluid drive unit 300 when rotation of the drive shaft 202 is initiated in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the unit 300, the head 320 moves toward the right in Fig. 8, and the impulse that is transmitted from the head 320 through the fixture 341 and the trunnions 346 to the start blade 344 causes the start blade 344 to exert a force upon the fluid contained in the reservoir 332 tending to rotate the start blade 344 in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 8.

However, further pivotal movement of the start blade 344 in the clockwise direction from its substantially vertical normal position is prevented by a stop 348 depending from the body of the fixture 341. When the start blade 344 thus as viewed from the top of the unit 300, the front end thereof catches the fluid contained in th reservoir 332 and splashes or deflects it outwardly away from the center line of the rotating drive shaft 302 and into the drive blades 335 and the space 336 disposed between the drive blades 335 and the driven blades 334. In order positively to insure that the fluid contained in the reservoir 332 is directed outwardly, as described above, each of the start mechanisms 340 is mounted at a slight angle with respect to a radius of the head 320 extending to the center line of the drive shaft 202. When the fluid contained in the reservoir 332 is thus directed into the space 336 and between the blades 335 and 334, the drive blades 335 exert a torqu upon the driven blades 334, whereby rotation of the casing 3 I 4 is initiated. When rotation of the casing 314 is thus initiated the fluid contained in the reservoir 332 is flung outwardly by the centrifugal force into the space 336, thereby further insuring the drive relationship between the blades 335 and 334. Accordingly, the casing 314 is gradually accelerated and ultimately rotates at a speed somewhat below that of the head 320 in view of the fact that there is always some slippage between the. blades 335 and .334. Accordingly when rotation of the drive shaft 202 is initiated in the counterclockwise dithe unit 300.

5 to a speed somewhat below that of the head 320 carried by the drive shaft 202.

Subsequently when operation of the motor 201. is arrested, rotation of the drive shaft 202 in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the unit 300, is gradually decelerated,

whereby the fluid contained within the casing 314 ultimately falls back by the action of gravity into the reservoir 332. When operation of the motor 201 is thus arrested, rotation of the unit 300 stops shortly thereafter by virtueof the connected loads upon the pulleys 206, 201 and 211, in an obvious manner, whereby the start blades 344 of the start mechanisms 340 are returned to their normal positions due to the fact thatin each start blade 344 .the center of gravity is disposed in the front end thereof.

On the other hand, when rotation of the drive shaft 202 is initiated in the clockwise direction as viewed from the top of the unit 300, the head 320 moves toward the left in Fig. 8, and the impulse that is transmitted through the arms'343 of the fixture 341 and the trunnions 346 to the start blade 344 causes the front end of the start blade 344 to drag out of the body of fluid 333 con- :10 tained in the reservoir 332, whereby the start blade 344 is pivoted in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 8, into its operated position indicated by the dotted lines. Further, the impulse that is transmitted to the start blade 344 in this case also assists in the pivotal movement of the start blade 344 from its substantially vertical normal position to its inclined operated position. When the start blade 344 is thus operated into its inclined operated position the front end 40 thereof is disposed somewhat above the level of the body of fluid 333 disposed in the reservoir 332 and out of contact therewith. Accordingly, when rotation of the drive shaft 202 is initiated inthe clockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the unit 300, the start blades 344 of the start P. mechanisms 340 are immediately pivoted from their normal positions into their operated positions, whereby the body of fluid 333 contained in the reservoir 332 is not substantially disturbed and consequently the drive blades 335 are rotated freely with respect to the driven blades 334 and rotation of the head 320 is not transmitted to the- 5 that it is direction-responsive and that power is transmitted from the motor 201 to the pulley 21! carried by the lower casing section 315 only in the event the drive shaft 202 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the top of Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the load that is connected to the pulley 21'! carried :by the lower casing section 315 may be se-' lectively rotated through the V-belt 218 de: pendent upon the direction of rotation of the 9;. drive shaft 202. On the other hand,'since the when the drive shaft 202 is rotated in either direction.

The construction and arrangement ofthe fluid drive units 200 and 300 are disclosed and claimed in the copending divisional application of John 7 Q Sharp, Serial No. 317,561, filed October 29, 2.

In view of the foregoing descriptions of the fluid drive units 200 and 300, it will be understood that either of these embodiments may be employed as the fluid drive unit in the machine I! illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, of the drawings. Thus when the operating shaft 202 of the motor MI is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the machine I0, the pulleys 206 and 201 rotate the respective pulleys 80 and II and the pulley 2H rotates the pulley SI; on the other hand, when the operating shaft 202 of the motor 20I is rotated in the clockwise direction, only the pulleys 206 and 201 rotate the respective pulleys l8 and SI.

Considering now the connection and arrangement of the electrical apparatus incorporated in themachine I 0, and as illustrated in Fig. 4. the electric motor MI is of the split-phase type and comprises a main or run winding 40I and an auxiliary or start winding 402, as well as a centrifugal switch 403 that is operatively connected to the rotor of the motor 20I and responsive to the speed of rotation thereof. Frequently a small phase splitting condenser is connected, in series with the start winding 402, as indicated at 402'. Specifically, the switch 403 is normally biased into its closed position and is operated into its open position in response to rotation of the rotor of the motor MI in either direction at a speed of approximately one-half normal or above. Thus when operation of the motor 20I is initiated the rotor thereof is rotated in one direction or the other depending upon the direction of poling of the start winding 402, and when the rotor thereof reaches a speed of about one-half normal speed the switch 403 is automatically operated from its closed position into its open position in order to cut out of the circuit the start winding 402 in the usual manner. Also, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the program selector switch I3I comprises five individual control cams CI to C5, inclusive, rigidly secured to the operating shaft I39 thereof, as well as five individual control switches SI to S5, inelusive, respectively associated with the control cams CI to C5, inclusive. Finally, the program selector switch I3I comprises a line switch LS that is operative between open and closed positions in accordance with longitudinal movement of the operating shaft I39 thereof. As disclosed in the. previously mentioned McCarty application, the manually operable control dial I 30 is capable of both rotary movement and limited longitudinal movement, whereby the corresponding movements are transmitted to the operating shaft I39 of the program selector switch I3I. When the control dial I30 is rotated, the operating shaft I39 of the program selector switch I3I is rotated, whereby the control cams CI to C5, inclusive, operate th individually associated control switches SI to S5, inclusive. When the control dial I30 occupies its normal or depressed position, the operating shaft I39 of the'program selector switch I3I occupies its lower position'operating the line switch LS into its open position; and when the control dial I30 occupies its operated or raised position, the operating shaft I33 of the program selector switch I3I occupies its upper position operating theline switch LS into its closed position. Finally, the program selector switch I3I comprises a timer motor 404 and escapement mechanism, not shown, operatively connecting the timer motor 404 to the operating shaft I30.

Further, the machine I comprises a first electro-responsive relay 405 and a second electroresponsive relay 406; which relays405 and 4'00 may bemounted upon the frame 30 within the machinery compartment 29, as illustrated in Fig. 2. Each of the relays 405 and 406 is of the slow-to-operate type, whereby the armature thereof is not operated until after the elapse of a predetermined time interval following energization of the winding thereof. This desired slow-to-operate characteristic of the relays 405 and 406 maybe achieved by the provision of associated'dashpots, not shown, operatively connected to the armatures thereof, or by the provision of heavy shunting windings on the magnetic core structures thereof. These details of construction are well understood, and the relays 405 and 400 are marked with the legend SO in order to indicate the slow-to-operate characteristic noted. Specifically. in Fig. 4 the solenoid 0| of the clutch mechanism I1,- and the cold water solenoid I20 and the hot water solenoid I20 of the inlet valve mechanism II2 are illustrated. Finally, the electric control circuit comprises two terminals respectively indicated at and the terminal being ungrounded in the machine I0, and the conductor being grounded in the machine I0- Ultimately, the and terminals are operatively connected to a commercial source of 60 cycle volts A. C. supply.

Considering now in greater detail the electrical connection and arrangement of the apparatus incorporated in the machine I0, and as illustrated in Fig. 4, the line switch L3 as well as each of the control switches SI to S4, inclusive, comprises two individual switch springs, while the control switch S5 comprises three individual switch springs, the relay 405 is provided with a single pair of contacts 401 controlled by the armature thereof; and the relay 406 is provided with five pairs of contacts 400 to H3, inclusive, controlled by the armature thereof. A supply conductor 4 is connected to the terminal and to ground potential; while the terminal is connected to one terminal of the line switch the other terminal of the line switch LS being connected to a supply conductor 4I5. One of the switch springs of the control switch Si isconnected to the supply conductor 405. and. the other of the switch springs thereofis. connected to one terminal of the hot water solenoid I29. the other terminal of the hot water solenoid I29 being connected to. the supply conductor 4I4. One of the switch springs of the control switch S2 is connected to the supply conductor 5, and the other of the switch springs thereof is oonnectedto one terminal of the cold water solenoid I28. the other terminal of the cold water solenoid I28 being connected to the supply conductor 4. One of the. switch springs of the control switch S3 is, connected to the supply conductor 5, and the other of theswitch springs thereof iscormected to one terminal of the timer motor 404, the other terminal of the timer motor 404 being connected to-thesupply conductor 4M. One-of the switch; springsof the controlswiich S4 is connected to the supply conductor 4. and the other of the switch springs thereof is connected to one terminal of the winding of the relay 405, the other terminal of the winding relay 405 being connected to the supply conductor 4I4. The intermediate switch spring of the control switch S5 is connected tothe supply conductor Hi, the lower switch spring thereof is connected to one terminal of the clutch solenoid 0i. and the upper switch spring thereof is connected to one terminal of the winding of the relay 406.'

The other terminal of the clutch solenoid 8| is connected to the supply conductor M4; and the other terminal of the winding of the relay 409 is connected to the supply conductor 4M. One terminal of the run winding 40I of the motor 29!. is connected to the supply conductor M4, and the other terminal of the run winding MM is connected to one of the contacts 401 controlled by the armature of the relay 405, as well as to one of the contacts 4I3 controlled by the armature of the relay 409 and to the upper spring that is controlled by the armature of the relay 400. One terminal of the start winding 402 of the motor 20I is connected to one of the contacts 408 and to one of the contacts 4E2 controlled by the armature of the relay 40%; and the other terminal of the start winding 402 is connected to one contact of the switch 403. The other contact of the switch 493 is connected to one of the contacts 409 and to one of the contacts H I controlled by the armature of the relay 406; and the intermediate spring that is controlled by the armature of the relay 496 is connected to the supply conductor 4 I 4.

As previously explained, the program selector switch I3I is of the combination manually controlled and automatic timer controlled type, whereby the operating shaft I39 thereof may be rotated either by the manually operable control dial I30 or by the timer motor 404. The program selector switch I3I comprises an elf position, a hot fill position, a warm fill position and a cold fill position, as well as a plurality of control positions; and the manually operable control dial I39 comprises corresponding and coordinate positions. In the operation of the machine I when the manually operable control dial I39 occupies its oil position the control switches SI to S5, inclusive, occupy their open positions as illustrated in Fig. 4; and when the control dial I39 occupies its normal depressed position, the line switch LS occupies its open position as illustrated in Fig. 4.

In order to fill the tub 49 with hot water the user merely rotates the control dial I30 into its 1 hot fill position and then lifts it, whereby the required circuits are closed to effect filling of the tub 49 with hot water. After the tub 49 has been filled with hot water the user again depresses the control dial we in order to operate the line switch LS into its open position so as to interrupt the preselected circuits mentioned. Of course, the filling of the tub 49 with warm water or with cold water proceeds in a substantially identical manner, the control dial I30 first being rotated into its corresponding position and then lifted, and thereafter again depressed after the filling of the tube 49. After the tub 49 has been filled with hot or warm or cold water as required by the character of the fabrics to be washed, the control dial I30 is then rotated into its first control position and again lifted, whereby an automatic cycle of operation is initiated under the'control of the timer motor 404. More particularly, the timer motor 404 rotates the control dial I30 further in the clockwise direction, as'viewed from the top of the machine I0 back into its off position, whereby the program selector switch I 3| is rotated through its various control positions and thence back into its off position. When the program selector switch I31 is thus rotated through its various control positions, an automatic timed cycle of the apparatus incorporated in the machine I 0 is carried out, whereby the machine I9 effects a washing operation followed by 18 a wash water extracting operation and then a rinsing operation followed by a rinse water extracting operation, whereupon further operation of the machine I0 is arrested.

In order to illustrate an example of the manual controls that may be performed by the user of the machine I0 in conjunction with the electric circuit illustrated in Fig. 4, let it be assumed that the machine I0 is at rest, and that it is desired to fill the tub 49 with hot water, the user rotates the control dial I 30 in the clockwise direction into its hot fill position, the segment between 10 and thereon, and then lifts the control dial I30. When the control dial I is thus rotated into its hot fill position, as noted above, the control cam-CI closes the control switch SI to effect selection of the circuit of the hot water solenoid I29; and the control cam C4 closes the control switch S4 to effect selection of the circuit of the relay 405; and when the control dial I30 is lifted the line switch LS is closed in order to complete the preselected circuits noted. Specifically, the hot water solenoid I29 is energized, whereby the inlet valve mechanism H2 is operated to supply hot water from the hot water inlet conduit I20 into the tub 49. Also the winding of the relay 405 is energized, whereby the latter relay operates shortly thereafter, it being of the slow-to-operate type. Upon operating, the relay 405 completes, at the contacts 401, a circuit for energizing the run winding of the motor 20I across the supply conductors M4 and M5; and completes, at the contacts 401, a multiple circuit, including the contacts 409 and M2 and the switch 403, for poling the start winding 402 of the motor 20I in a first direction across the supply conductors M4 and 4 I 5. When the run winding MI is thus energized and the start winding 402 is thus poled, operation of the motor 20I is initiated, whereby the rotor of the motor 20! is rotated in the clockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the machine I0. When the motor 20I is thus rotated in the clockwise direction the pulleys 84 and 85 efiect rotation of the associated pulleys 206 and 201; however, the direction-responsive fluid drive unit 200 does not effect rotation of the pulley 211. Accordingly, the pump 86 and the motion translating mechanism 13 are operated; however, the tub 49 is not rotated. While operation of the motion translating mechanism 13 is initiated, the agitator 51 is not operated since the clutch mechanism 11 is declutched at this time. Thus the operating drain pump 86 is effective to discharge to the exterior any water accumulating in the tub compartment 29 should the tub 49 be filled to overflowing at this time. When the rotor of the motor 29I gains approximately one half normal speed, the speed-responsive switch 403 is operated to its open position interrupting the circuit for poling the start winding 402; however, rotation of the rotor of the motor 20I in the clockwise direction continues by virtue of the completed circuit for energizing the run winding I thereof at this time, and of course, the rotor of the motor 20I is accelerated on into full normal speed. When the desired quantity of hot wash water has been admitted to the tub 49, the user merely depresses the control dial I30 effecting opening of the line switch LS, whereby the hot water solenoid'l29 is de-energized and the winding of the relay 405 is tie-energized. When the hot water solenoid I29 is thus de-energized, the inlet valve mechanism H2 is restored to its normal position cutting off the supply of hot water to the tub 49; and when the winding of the relay 405 is thus de-energized,

19 the latter relay restores immediately to interrupt, at the contacts 401, the circuit for energizing the run winding 40I of the motor 20l in order to arrest further operation thereof.

In view of the foregoing description of the manner in which the user manually controls filling of the tub 49 with hot water, it will be understood that the tub 49 may be filled in a substantially identical manner with either warm water or cold water, the user merely rotating the control dial I30 into its corresponding position and lifting it. Specifically, when the control dial I30 is rotated into its warmfill position, the segment between and 40, the control cams CI and C2 respectively operate the control switches SI and S2 into their closed positions in order to preselect both the circuit of the hot water solenoid I29 and the circuit of the cold water solenoid I28, whereby both of the solenoids mentioned are subsequently energized upon closure of the line switch LS as a consequence of lifting the control dial I30. Similarly, when the control dial I30 is rotated into its cold fill position, the segment between and the control cam C2 operates the control switch S2 into its closed position in order to preselect the circuit of the cold water solenoid I28, whereby the solenoid mentioned is subsequently energized upon closure of the line switch LS as a consequence of lifting the control dial I30.

When the control dial I30 is rotated into its "hot fill position or into its warm fill position or into its cold fill position, the control cam C4 operates the control switch S4 into its closed position in order to preselect the circuit of the winding of the relay 405 so that operation of the motor 20I is initiated upon subsequent closure of the line switch LS as a result of lifting the control dial I35 and so that the rotor of the motor MI is rotated in the clockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the machine I0. This arrangement positively insures operation of the motor 20I at this time and operation of the drain pump 85 so as to prevent flooding of the laundry room as a result of overflowing of the water from the tub 49 into the tub compartment 28 formed in the upper casing I2 should the user inadvertently permit the control dial I30 to remain in its raised position after a filling operation has been completed.

After the user has affected manual control of the circuit network in the manner described above in order to cause filling of the tub 49 with hot or warm or cold water as required, she may initiate the automatic cycle of the machine I0 merely by rotating the control dial I30 into its first control position, beginning slightly beyond the 55 position, and again lifting the control dial I 30 after she has placed the clothes and the detergent in the tub 49 and closed the cover I01. When the control dial I30 is rotated into its first control position, the control cam CI and C2 positively insure operation of the respective control switches SI and S2 into their open positions so as to prevent control of the hot water solenoid I29 and the cold water solenoid I28 at this time. Also the control cam C3 operates the control switch S3 into its closed position in order to preselect the circuit of the timer motor 404. Further, the control cam C4 operates the control switch S4 into its closed position to preselect the circuit of the winding of the relay 405. Finally, the control cam C5 operates the control switch S5 to close the contacts between the lower and intermediate springs thereof in order to preselect the clutch solenoid 8| 0f the clutch mechanism 11. When the control dial I30 is then lifted the preselected circuits noted are completed at the line switch LS. Specifically, the timer motor 404 operates to effect further rotation of the operating shaft I39 of the program selector switch I 3| and the control dial I30 in the clockwise direction through the various control positions thereof and ultimately back into the off positions thereof. The relay 405 operates shortly thereafter to effect operation of the motor 20I, whereby the rotor thereof is 1'0- tated in the clockwise direction as viewed from the top of the machine III. The clutch solenoid 8I operates to effect clutching of the elements I8 and 19 of the clutch mechanism TI in order to bring about oscillation of the shaft 63 from the motion translating mechanism 13 that is driven from the motor 20I through the pulleys 20'! and SI by the V-belt 209. The oscillating shaft 63 effects oscillation of the agitator 6! in the tub 49 in order to initiate the washing operation of the machine I0.

The first control position of the control dial I30 extends from the 55 position thereof to the 170 position thereof covering an intervening segment of which corresponds to a time interval of 11 /2 minutes since the program selector switch I30 is of the Mallory drive type and steps the operating shaft I39 thereof and the control dial I30 in the clockwise direction 5 each minute; whereby 10 of rotation of the program selector switch I3I and the control dial I30 correspond to a time interval of 1 minute. Accordingly, when the user sets the control dial I30 into the first control position thereof she brings the desired washing time on the skirt I42 thereof into registry therewith with the associated index pointer I42. Thus it will be understood that in the event a full washing time interval of 11 /2 minutes is desired that the control dial I30 is rotated slightly past the 55 position thereof before it is lifted. On the other hand, for example, in the event a shorter washing time interval of five minutes is desired, the control dial I30 is rotated to the position thereof before it is lifted. Thus the Washing time interval is manually adjustable between 11 minutes and /2 minute at any time interval of /2 minute therebetween.

The washing operation of the machine I0 continues during the preset washing time interval and until the program selector switch I3I is rotated into its position, whereupon the control cam 04 operates the control switch S4 into its open position, and the control cam C5 operates the control switch S5 to open the contacts between the lower and intermediate springs thereof and to close the contacts between the intermediate and upper springs thereof. When the control switch S4 is operated into its open position the relay 405 immediately restores in order to arrest operation of the motor 20I. When the control switch S5 is operated to open the contacts between the lower and intermediate springs thereof, the clutch solenoid BI is de-energized, whereby the clutch mechanism 11 is returned to its normal de-clutched position, the clutch elements I8 and I9 being disengaged. When the control switch S5 is operated to close the contacts between the intermediate and upper springs thereof, the circuit for energizing the winding of the relay 40B is completed, whereby the relay 406, being of the slow-t0- operate type, operates shortly thereafter. The time interval between the restoration of the relay 405 and the operation of the relay 406 is sufflcient to permit rotation of the rotor of the motor 20I to be arrested. Upon operating, the relay 406 completes, at the contacts M3, the alternative circuit for energizing the run winding 40! of the motor 20!; interrupts, at the contacts 409 and M2, points in the previously traced circuit for poling the start winding 402 of the motor 20!; and completes, at the contacts 408 and M I, the alternative circuit for poling the start winding 402. The circuit for poling the start winding 402 that is completed at this time via the speedresponsive switch 403 is such that the start winding 402 is poled in a second or opposite direction with respect to the first direction previously mentioned. When the run winding 40! is thus energized and the start winding 402 is thus poled in the second direction mentioned, operation of the motor 20! is initiated, the rotor being rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the machine I0.

When the rotor of the motor ZOI gains approximately one half normal speed, the switch 403 is operated to open the start winding 402 in the usual manner, whereby the run winding 40I accelerate the rotor of the motor 20| on into its normal speed. At this time when the rotor of the motor 20I is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the fluid drive unit 200 is operated to effect the transmission of power therethrough from the motor 20! to the sleeve 44 via the pulleys 2I'I and and the V-belt 2H3. Accordingly, the sleeve 44, and consequently the tub 49, is rotated in the counterclockwise direction at this time, the rotation of the tub 49 being gradually accelerated to its full spinning speed by virtue of the slippage in the fluid drive unit 200 as previously explained. When the tub 49 is thus rotated the initial wash water contained therein is centrifuged therefrom through the openings 50 disposed just below the balance ring 56, the wash water being caught in the tub compartment 28 and drained through the fixture 94 into the drain pump 85 from which it is pumped to the exterior of the machine [0 through the drain conduit 95. he initial wash water is thus discharged from the tub 49 by the centrifugal forces, the clothes being retained therein by virtue of the overhanging flange 51 provided on the balance ring 50. The clothes in the tub 49 are thus spun for a time interval of 4 minutes in order to effect the substantially complete removal of the wash water therefrom, at which time the program selector switch I3! is rotated into its 210 position; whereby the control cams CI and C2 eflect closure of the respective switches SI and S2 bringing about operation of the respective solenoids 129 and E20. When the solenoids I20 and I28 are thus operated, warm water is supplied via the inlet conduit It!) into the tub 49 while it is spinning in order to client a warm water spinning rinsing action upon the contained clothes.

The program selector i3! is rotated into its 215 position minute later, whereby the control cams CI and C2 effect operation of the respective switches SI and S2 into their open positions so as to de-energize the respective solenoids I29 and !28 for the purpose of interrupting the supply of warm water to the spinning tub 40. The program selector l3l is rotated into its 220 position /2 minute later, whereby the control cam C2 effects operation of the switch S2 into its closed position effecting operation of the cold water solenoid I29 and the consequent supply of cold water from the inlet conduit I09 into the spinning tub 49 in order to effect a cold water spinning rinsing action upon the contained clothes. The program selector I3! is rotated into its 225 position /2 minute later, whereby the control cam C5 operates the switch S5 to move the intermediate spring thereof to a center position disengaging both the associated upper and lower springs so as to interrupt the circuit for energizing the winding of the relay 406 without completing the circuit for energizing the clutch solenoid SI. Accordingly, the relay 406 restores, interrupting, at the contacts M3, the circuit for energizing the run winding 40I of the motor 20L Also, the relay 406 interrupts, at the contacts 403 and 4! I, further points in the circuit for poling the start winding 402 in the second direction previously noted and reprepares, at the contacts 409 and M2 points, in the circuit for poling the start winding 402 in the first direction previously noted. Accordingly, at this time, rotation of the rotor of the motor 20I in the counterclockwise direction as viewed from the top of the machine I0, is arrested.

Also at this time the control cam C4 operates the control switch S4 into its closed position in order to effect reoperation of the relay 405 shortly thereafter, whereby operation of the motor 20'I is again initiated. As previously explained, upon operating, the relay 405 effects rotation of the rotor of the motor 20! in the clockwise direction, as viewed from the top of the machine I 0. Thus at this time rotation of the tub 49 is arrested in order to terminate the cold water spinning rinsing action on the clothes contained therein. The program selector switch I3! is rotated into its 250 position 3 /2 minutes later, whereby the tub 49 is filled to overflowing during the time interval mentioned, the cold water supplied from the inlet conduit I09 into the tub 49 overflows therefrom via the openings 50 provided below the balance ring 56.

In the 260 position of the program selector switch I31 the control cam C5 operates the control switch S5 to close the contacts between the lower and intermediate springs thereof in order to effect reoperation of the clutch solenoid 8|, whereby the actuator 61 is again oscillated for the purpose of initiating a deep cold water overflow rinsing action upon the clothes contained in the tub 49. This deep cold Water overflow rinsing action continues for a time interval of 1 /2 minutes; at which time the program selector switch I3! is rotated into its 285 position, whereby the control cam C2 effects operation of the control switch S2 into its open position so as to bring about de-energization of the cold water solenoid I28 and the consequent interruption of the sup-ply of cold Water from the inlet conduit I09 into the tub 49. After the supply of cold water into the tub 49 is thus cutoff, operation of the actuator 67 continues for a time interval of /2 minute and until the program selector switch IBI is rotated into its 290 position in order positively to insure that the excess quantity of cold water contained in the tub 49 is overflowed therefrom prior to initiating a final spinning extracting operation of the tub 49, as explained below.

When the program selector switch I3! is rotated into its 290 position, the control cam C4 operates the control switch S4 into its open position in order to eiTect restoration of the relay 405 and consequently operation of the motor 20L Also, the control cam C5 operates the control switch S5 to open the contacts between the lower and intermediate springs thereof and to close the contacts between the intermediate and upper springs thereof so as to deenergize the clutch solenoid BI and to re-energize the winding of the relay 406. The clutch mechanism IT is restored to its declutched position in order to arrest operation of the agitator 61, and the rotor of the motor 20I is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in order to effect spinning of the tub 49 through the fluid drive unit 200, in the manner previously explained. When rotation of the tub 49 is thus initiated, a final rinse water extracting operation of the machine I is initiated. The tub 49 continues to spin during a time interval of 7 minutes and until the program selector switch I3I is rotated into its 360 or 0 position constituting its oil position. During this spinning operation of the tub 49 the cold rinse water contained in the tub 49 and in the clothes therein is extracted, whereby at the termination of the final rinse water extracting operation, the clothes contained in the tub 49 contain only a nominal amount of water, usually each pound of clothes containing approximately one pound of water. At this time the program selector switch I3I and the control dial I30 occupy their coordinate off positions indicating that the automatic cycle of the machine I0 has been com pleted; and all electric circuits are interrupted. Specifically, when the program selector switch I 3| is rotated back into its off position the control cam C3 operates the control switch S3 to its open position in order to arrest operation of the timer motor 404. Also the control cam C5 operates the control switch S5 to move the intermediate spring into a center position in order to open the contacts between the intermediate spring and the upper spring thereof without closing the contacts between the intermediate spring and the lower spring thereof so as to effect the restoration of the relay 406. Upon restoring, the relay 406 arrests operation of the motor I; and at this time the cycle of operation of the machine I0 has been completed and the user may again depress the control dial I in order to effect operation of the line switch LS into its open position so as to interrupt a further common point in all of the electric control circuits. At this time the user may open the cover I01 and transfer the clothes contained in the tub 49 to a drier in order to prepare the clothes for ironing in the usual manner.

In view of the foregoing explanation of the control of the machine I0 by the control dial 30 and the program selector I3I, it will be understood that any one of the operations in the automatic cycle may be selectively repeated either before or after the completion of the cycle of operation of the machine I0 by first depressing the control dial I30, then rotating the control dial I30 into the control position corresponding to the desired operation, and then lifting the control dial I30, whereby operation of the machine I0 in the preselected operation in the automatic cycle is initiated. This facility is occasionally useful when it is desired to obtain a somewhat more thorough drying of a heavy load of fabrics in the form of a scatter rug, or the like. For instance, in this case, the final rinse water extracting operation of the machine I0 may be selectively repeated in order to obtain additional time intervals of 7 minutes of water extracting operations. Of course, any of the other operations in the automatic cycle may be similarly repeated, and occasionally this facility is useful where it is particularly desired to obtain a washing operation of longer than 11 minutes and involving a particularly dirty fabric, such, for example, as work clothes. In this case, the user sets the control dial I30 for a full time interval of 11 minutes and initiates operation of the machine I0 by lifting of the control dial I30. Thereafter, at the expiration of an appropriate additional time interval, such, for example, as 10 minutes the control dial I30 is depressed and ro tated through and back into the beginning of the first control position thereof, such that a time interval of 11 minutes is again set; whereupon the control dial I30 is again lifted so that the machine I0 may proceed through its normal automatic cycle, as previously explained. In this example, the washing time of the machine I0 has been increased by 10 minutes in order to produce a total washing time of 21 minutes. Of course, operation of the machine I0 may be arrested at any time either during a manual filling operation or an operation thereof in its automatic control cycle merely by depressing the control dial I30; and thereafter further operation of the machine may be again initiated merely by lifting the control dial I30. This stop and start facility in response to the corresponding movements of the control dial I30 between its raised and depressed positions follows by virtue of the circumstance that the line switch LS occupies a master control or interlock position in the electric control network.

In the circuit control network the organization of the contacts controlled by the relays 405 and 406 comprises switching apparatus having an off position, when both of the relays 405 and 406 are restored, a first run position, when the relay 405 is operated, and a second run position, when the relay 406 is operated. This switching apparatus is operative from its off position into either one of its run positions, and from either one of its run positions through its off position into the other one of its run positions, the operation of the switching apparatus out of its off position being slow to insure slow-down of the rotor of the electric motor 20I in the event of reversal of the rotor of the motor 20I.

In view of the foregoing it is apparent that there has been provided a semi-automatic clothes washing machine comprising an improved power transmission mechanism that is direction-responsive and a single drive motor of the reversible rotor type therefor, as well as an improved electric control network for selectively startin rotation of the rotor of the motor in either direction and for selectively reversing the direction of rotation of the rotor of the motor in order selectively to control the operations of the machine in an automatic cycle including washing, wash water extracting, rinse and rinse water extracting operations.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a clothes washing machine including an upstanding casing, an upstanding tub arranged in said casing and mounted for rotation, an upstanding agitator arranged in said tub and 25 mounted for oscillation, a water supply system communicating with said tub, said casing being arranged to catch water centrifuged from said tub incident to rotation thereof, and a drain conduit communicating with said casing; the combination comprising an electric motor provided with a reversible rotor, a fluid drive unit including a casing containing a body of fluid and a drive member and a driven member and means responsive to rotation of said drive member in one direction for coupling said drive member through said fiuid to said driven member and responsive to rotation of said drive member in the opposite direction for uncoupling said drive member from said driven member, a first drive connection between said rotor and said drive member, a second drive connection between said driven member and said tub, means for selectively rotating said rotor in either direction in order selectively to effect rotation of said tub, motion translating mechanism including a drive element and a driven element and means responsive to rotation of said drive element in either direction for oscillating said driven element, a third drive connection between said rotor and said drive element, clutch mechanism arranged between and operatively connected to both said driven element and said agitator, and means for selectively operating said clutch mechanism in order selectively to efiect oscillation of said agitator.

2. In a clothes washing machine including an upstanding casing, an upstanding tub arranged in said casing and mounted for rotation, an upstanding agitator arranged in said tub and mounted for oscillation, a water supply system communicating with said tub, said casing being arranged to catch Water centrifuged from said tub incident to rotation thereof, and a drain conduit communicating with said casing; the combination comprisin an electric motor provided With a reversible rotor, a fluid drive unit including a casing containing a body of fluid and a drive member and a driven member and means responsive to rotation of said drive member in one direction for coupling said drive member through said fluid to said driven member and responsive to rotation of said drive member in the opposite direction for uncoupling said drive member from said driven member, a first drive connection between said rotor and said drive member, a second drive connection between said driven member and said tub, means for selectively rotating said rotor in either direction in order selectively to efiect rotation of said tub, motion-translating mechanism operative to translate rotary motion into oscillatory motion, a third drive connection between said rotor and said motion-translating mechanism, clutch mechanism arranged between said motion-translatin mechanism and said agitator, and means for selectively operating said clutch mechanism in order selectively to effect oscillation of said agitator.

3. The clothes washing machine combination set forth in claim 2, and further comprising a drain pump including a housing connected to said drain conduit and a part arranged in said housing and rotatable in either direction to draw Water from said drain conduit into said housing and to discharge the water from said housing to the exterior, and a fourth drive connection between said rotor and said part.

4. The clothes washing machine combination set forth in claim 2, and further comprising interlock means for positively preventin simultaneous rotation of said rotor in said one direction and operation of said clutch mechanism.

JOHN C. SHARP.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,576,276 Hedges et al Mar. 9, 1926 1,912,323 Taylor May 30, 1933 1,957,124 Yahn May 1, 1934 1,963,720 Sinclair June 19, 1934 1,972,741 Kohl Sept. 4, 1934 1,975,505 Fottinger Oct. 2, 1934 2,145,616 Waterworth Jan. 31, 1939 2,161,604 Watts June 6, 1939 2,195,287 Schaefer Mar. 26, 1940 2,225,407 Bassett Dec. 17, 1940 2,256,018 Custer Sept. 16, 1941 2,269,190 Dunham Jan. 6, 1942 2,276,057 McCormick Mar. 10, 1942 2,346,152 Clark Apr. 11, 1944 2,346,668 Dunham Apr. 18, 1944 2,366,236 Clark Jan. 2, 1945 2,411,966 Dyer Dec. 3, 1946 2,441,926 Zahn May 18, 1948 2,456,696 Goldberg Dec. 21, 1948 2,508,217 Brell May 16, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date Great Britain July 26, 1946 

